Award-Winning Certified Reading Intervention Tutors
serving Harrisburg, PA
Certified Reading Intervention
Tutors in Harrisburg
Private 1-on-1 tutoring, weekly live classes for academic support, test prep & enrichment, practice tests and diagnostics, and more to elevate grades and test scores.
Based on 3.4M Learner Ratings
UniversitiesSchools & Universities
DeliveredHours Delivered
ProficiencyGrowth in Proficiency
Who needs tutoring?
No obligation. Takes ~1 minute.

I received my degree in Elementary Education from York College of Pennsylvania. I then attended McDaniel College where I received a masters degree in reading and became a Reading Specialist. My love for teaching reading continued and I furthered my education at Mount Saint Mary's University for training in Reading Recovery. I started my career teaching kindergarten and currently am a reading specialist in my school district, where I work one on one and in small groups with struggling readers. My passion is for tutoring early learners to help them gain the skills they need to grow as readers and writers. In my tutoring sessions I love to get to know my learners interests and personalities. I incorporate manipulatives, sight word games, leveled texts, and writing into sessions to make sessions more engaging. I love to build confidence in my learners by focusing on their strengths in order to get the most amount of growth out of my learners. My hobbies include exercise, spending time with my family, and going to the beach.

Two years of teaching elementary students who struggled with literacy gave McKenna firsthand experience identifying where decoding, fluency, or comprehension breaks down. She builds targeted exercises around phonemic awareness and sight-word recognition for younger readers, while older students get scaffolded strategies for tackling longer texts. Her certified reading intervention approach is patient and structured, meeting each learner's specific gaps.
Hello! I'm a reading intervention specialist with over 15 years of experience helping struggling readers build stronger skills and confidence. I use an Orton-Gillinghaminspired, structured literacy that is explicit, systematic, multisensory, and tailored to each learner. Sessions may include phonemic awareness, phonics, decoding, spelling, fluency, comprehension, and writing based on individual needs. My goal is to strengthen the foundational literacy skills that make reading easier.
I earned my Bachelor's degree in Psychology from Cardiff University, and have a Masters in Counseling from Monash University. Trained in the Orton-Gillingham approach to literacy, I am passionate and experienced in using a multi-sensory approach to tutoring students with dyslexia and other reading difficulties. Having worked in an educational setting for over 11 years in Hong Kong, I am experienced in working with students from kindergarten all the way through to primary school.
Testimonials
Because the right Certified Reading Intervention tutor makes all the difference.
Average Session Rating – Based on 3.4M Learner Ratings
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Frequently Asked Questions
Certified Reading Intervention is a specialized, evidence-based approach to helping students who struggle with reading skills like decoding, fluency, and comprehension. Unlike general reading support, it uses structured diagnostic assessments to identify specific gaps and targets those areas with proven intervention techniques. Tutors trained in reading intervention work systematically to build foundational skills that struggling readers need to succeed.
With an average student-teacher ratio of 15.8:1 in Harrisburg's 11 school districts, many students don't get the individualized attention needed to catch up on reading skills. Personalized 1-on-1 reading intervention provides targeted practice in phonics, word recognition, fluency, and comprehension strategies tailored to your child's specific needs. This focused approach helps students build confidence and close reading gaps before they fall further behind.
The first session typically includes a comprehensive assessment to understand your child's current reading level, strengths, and specific challenges—whether that's decoding, fluency, comprehension, or a combination. The tutor will explain their findings and work with you to set realistic goals. From there, personalized instruction begins, using evidence-based strategies matched to your child's learning style and needs.
Reading intervention tutors work with students who struggle with phonemic awareness, phonics, decoding multisyllabic words, reading fluency, and reading comprehension. They also help students who have difficulty with vocabulary development or struggle to understand what they read even when they can decode words. If your child reads slowly, loses focus while reading, or avoids reading altogether, intervention can help identify and address the underlying cause.
Many students show noticeable progress within 4-6 weeks of consistent, personalized instruction—especially in fluency and confidence. However, the timeline depends on the severity of the reading gap and how frequently your child receives tutoring. Regular sessions combined with practice at home accelerate progress. A reading intervention tutor can give you a more specific timeline after the initial assessment.
Look for tutors who have specialized training in reading intervention methods like Orton-Gillingham, Wilson Reading System, or other evidence-based approaches. Many hold certifications from organizations that focus on reading science and intervention. They should understand the components of reading (phonics, fluency, comprehension, vocabulary, and phonemic awareness) and know how to assess and address specific reading difficulties.
Most students benefit from 2-3 sessions per week for meaningful progress, though frequency can be adjusted based on your child's needs and schedule. Consistency matters more than intensity—regular practice helps build automaticity in reading skills. Your tutor can recommend a frequency that works best for your child's specific challenges and learning pace.
Varsity Tutors connects you with qualified reading intervention tutors in the Harrisburg area who can provide personalized instruction based on your child's specific needs. Simply share details about your child's reading challenges and goals, and you'll be matched with an expert tutor experienced in evidence-based intervention strategies. You can start with a single session to see if it's a good fit.
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